Coaxial cable connector

ABSTRACT

A connector coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body having an outer ramped surface, a post, engageable with the connector body, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post, and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, the compression portion having a ramped inner surface, wherein the inner ramped surface is configured to cooperate with the outer ramped surface during compression of the compression portion onto a portion of the connector body. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/213,954 filed Aug. 19, 2011, and entitled “COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR”which is a continuation-in-part to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/072,605,filed Mar. 25, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,879 issued Jan. 1, 2013,and entitled “COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR.”

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to connectors used in coaxial cable communicationapplications, and more specifically to coaxial connectors havingfeatures for improving the efficiency of structures and processes forattaching the connectors to coaxial cables.

BACKGROUND

Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form ofelectromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are commonconduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cablesare typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carryingcommunications signals exists only in the space between inner and outercoaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to beinstalled next to metal objects without the power losses that occur inother transmission lines, and provides protection of the communicationssignals from external electromagnetic interference. Connectors forcoaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interfaceports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronicdevices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often madethrough rotatable operation of an internally coupling member of theconnector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port.Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connectorto the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between theconnector and the corresponding interface port. However, oftenconnectors are not properly tightened or otherwise installed to theinterface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with theinterface port does not occur. Moreover, when attached to an interfaceport, common connectors are often still susceptible to the unwantedintroduction of environmental contaminants into the connector. Inaddition, common connectors often utilize cumbersome and/or costlycomponents and installation processes associated with attaching theconnectors to coaxial cables.

Hence a need exists for an improved connector having structural featuresthat help prevent the entry of unwanted environmental contaminants intothe coaxial cable connector, and that improve cost and effectivenesswith relation to how the connector attaches to a coaxial cable.

SUMMARY

A first aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connector comprisinga connector body; a post, engageable with the connector body; a couplingmember, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body, thecoupling member having a first end and opposing second end; an outersleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured torotate the coupling member; and a compression portion structurallyintegral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion isconfigured to break apart from the body when axially compressed.

A second aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connectorcomprising; a connector body; a post engageable with connector body; acoupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body,the coupling member having a first end and opposing second end portion;a sealing element attached to the coupling member, wherein the sealingelement prevents ingress of environmental elements proximate the firstend of the coupling member; and an outer sleeve engageable with thecoupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member.

A third aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connectorcomprising: a connector body; a post engageable with connector body; acoupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body,the coupling member having a first end and opposing second end; asealing element attached to the coupling member, wherein the sealingelement prevents ingress of environmental elements proximate the firstend of the coupling member; and a compression portion structurallyintegral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion isconfigured to break apart from the body when axially compressed.

A fourth aspect relates generally to a method of fastening a coaxialcable to a communication port, the method comprising: providing acoaxial cable connector including:

a connector body; a post operably attached to the connector body; acoupling member axially rotatable with respect to the connector body; anouter sleeve engageable with the coupling member; and a compressionportion structurally integral with the connector body; axiallycompressing the compression portion to form an environmental seal aroundthe coaxial cable, wherein when axially compressed, the compressionportion breaks away from the body and securely connects to the coaxialcable; and fastening the coupling member to an interface port byoperating the outer sleeve.

A fifth aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connector comprisinga connector body having an outer ramped surface, a post, engageable withthe connector body, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect tothe post, and a compression portion structurally integral with theconnector body, the compression portion having a ramped inner surface,wherein the inner ramped surface is configured to cooperate with theouter ramped surface during compression of the compression portion ontoa portion of the connector body.

A sixth aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connector comprisinga connector body having a first end and a second end, the connector bodyincluding an outer ramped surface proximate the second end, a postengageable with the connector body, a coupling member, axially rotatablewith respect to the post, a compression portion sharing a frangibleconnection with the connector body, the frangible connection beingdefined by the outer ramped surface of the connector body and aninternal annular groove.

A seventh aspect relates generally to a coaxial cable connectorcomprising a connector body having a first end and a second end, theconnector body including an outer ramped surface proximate the secondend, a post engageable with the connector body, a coupling member,axially rotatable with respect to the post, a compression portionsharing a frangible connection with the connector body, and a stressconcentrator positioned proximate the frangible connection.

An eight aspect relates generally to a method of fastening a coaxialcable to a coaxial cable, the method comprising providing a coaxialcable connector including a connector body having an outer rampedsurface, a post, engageable with the connector body, a coupling member,axially rotatable with respect to the post, and a compression portionstructurally integral with the connector body, the compression portionhaving a ramped inner surface, and axially compressing the compressionportion to securably attached the connector to the coaxial cable andform an environmental seal around the coaxial cable, wherein the innerramped surface is configured to cooperate with the outer ramped surfaceduring the axial compression of the compression portion onto a portionof the connector body

The foregoing and other features of construction and operation of theinvention will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from thefollowing detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference tothe following figures, wherein like designations denote like members,wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a cross-section view of a first embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment of thecoaxial cable connector prior to an embodiment of the sleeve is operablyattached to an embodiment of a coupling member;

FIG. 1C depicts a cross-section view of the first embodiment of thecoaxial cable connector after secure attachment to an embodiment of acoaxial cable;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section view of a second embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of a third embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of thecoaxial cable connector prior to an embodiment of a sleeve is operablyattached to an embodiment of a coupling member;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view of a fifth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section view of a sixth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section view of an seventh embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer integralsleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of aradial restriction member;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-section view of an eighth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer integral sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section view of a ninth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of an outer integral sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section view of a tenth embodiment of a coaxialcable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion,and an embodiment of a radial restriction member;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-section view of an eleventh embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion,and an embodiment of a radial restriction member;

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-section view of a twelfth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a sealing member, an embodiment of a compression portion,and an embodiment of a radial restriction member;

FIG. 13 depicts a cross-section view of a thirteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 14 depicts a cross-section view of a fourteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-section view of a fifteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 16 depicts a cross-section view of a sixteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 17 depicts a cross-section view of a seventeenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 18 depicts a cross-section view of an eighteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-section view of a nineteenth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-section view of a twentieth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-first embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-second embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion,and an embodiment of a radial restriction member; and

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-third embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, and an embodiment of a compressionportion, and an embodiment of a radial restriction member;

FIG. 24 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-fourth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of an outer sleeve, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portion,and an embodiment of a radial restriction member;

FIG. 25 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-fifth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 26 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-sixth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 27 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-seventh embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of a compression portion, and an embodiment of a radialrestriction member;

FIG. 28 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-eighth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, an embodiment of a compression portionconfigured to move axially external to an embodiment of a connectorbody;

FIG. 29 depicts a cross-section view of a twenty-ninth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a sealing member, anembodiment of an outer sleeve, and an embodiment of a compressionportion configured to move axially within an embodiment of a connectorbody;

FIG. 30 depicts a cross-section view of a thirtieth embodiment of acoaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a compression portionhaving an internal annular groove;

FIG. 31 depicts a perspective cut-away view of the thirtieth embodimentof the coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of a compressionportion having an internal annular groove; and

FIG. 32 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of the thirtiethembodiment of the coaxial cable connector in a fully compressedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown anddescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theappended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way belimited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof,the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and aredisclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present invention.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, asused in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-29 depict embodiments of a coaxialcable connector 100-128. The coaxial cable connector 100-128 may beoperably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable10 having a protective outer jacket 12, a conductive grounding shield14, an interior dielectric 16 and a center conductor 18 (the cable 10being shown in FIG. 1C). The coaxial cable 10 may be prepared asembodied in FIG. 1C by removing the protective outer jacket 12 anddrawing back the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion ofthe interior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the embodied coaxialcable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a portion ofthe center conductor 18. The protective outer jacket 12 is intended toprotect the various components of the coaxial cable 10 from damage whichmay result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion.Moreover, the protective outer jacket 12 may serve in some measure tosecure the various components of the coaxial cable 10 in a containedcable design that protects the cable 10 from damage related to movementduring cable installation. The conductive grounding shield 14 may becomprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electricalground connection, such as cuprous braided material, aluminum foils,thin metallic elements, or other like structures. Various embodiments ofthe shield 14 may be employed to screen unwanted noise. For instance,the shield 14 may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric16, or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid aroundthe dielectric 16. Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may beutilized wherein the conductive shield 14 may comprise a foil layer,then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. Those in the art willappreciate that various layer combinations may be implemented in orderfor the conductive grounding shield 14 to effectuate an electromagneticbuffer helping to prevent ingress of environmental noise that maydisrupt broadband communications. The dielectric 16 may be comprised ofmaterials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foammaterial, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functionalinsulating materials. It should be noted that the various materials ofwhich all the various components of the coaxial cable 10 are comprisedshould have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable 10 to flex orbend in accordance with traditional broadband communication standards,installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be recognizedthat the radial thickness of the coaxial cable 10, protective outerjacket 12, conductive grounding shield 14, interior dielectric 16 and/orcenter conductor 18 may vary based upon generally recognized parameterscorresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment.

Referring further to FIGS. 1A-29, a connector, such as connector 100-128may also interact with a coaxial cable interface port 20. The coaxialcable interface port 20 includes a conductive receptacle for receiving aportion of a coaxial cable center conductor 18 sufficient to makeadequate electrical contact. The coaxial cable interface port 20 mayfurther comprise a threaded exterior surface 23. It should be recognizedthat the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cableinterface port 20 and/or the conductive receptacle of the port 20 mayvary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding tobroadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitchand height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded exteriorsurface 23 of the coaxial cable interface port 20 may also vary basedupon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadbandcommunication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should benoted that the interface port 20 may be formed of a single conductivematerial, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with bothconductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port's 20operable electrical interface with a connector 100-128. However, thereceptacle of the port 20 should be formed of a conductive material,such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. Further still, it willbe understood by those of ordinary skill that the interface port 20 maybe embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cablecommunications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a networkreceiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signalsplitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-25, embodiments of a coaxial cable connector100-123 may further comprise a coupling member 30, a post 40, aconnector body 50, an outer sleeve 90, a compression portion 60, aradial restriction member 65, and a connector body seal member 5 (asshown in FIG. 28), such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fitaround a portion of the connector body 50. Embodiments of couplingmember 30 may be coupling member 30 a, 30 b, or 30 c described infurther detail infra. Embodiments of sleeve 90 may be sleeve 90 a, 90 b,90 c, 90 d, 90 e, 90 f, 90 g, or 90 h, described in further detailinfra. Similarly, embodiments of radial restriction member 65 may be 65a, 65 b, or 65 c, described in further detail infra. Connector 100-123may come in a preassembled configuration or may require additionaloperable attachment of the sleeve 90 to connector 100-123 duringinstallation.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, embodiments of connector 100 may include acoupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90a, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 100 may include a coupling member 30 a. Thecoupling member 30 a of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 100 hasa first forward end 31 a and opposing second rearward end 32 a. Thecoupling member 30 a may comprise internal threading 33 a extendingaxially from the edge of first forward end 31 a a distance sufficient toprovide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads23 of a standard coaxial cable interface port 20 (as shown, by way ofexample, in FIG. 1C). The coupling member 30 a includes an internal lip34 a, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the secondrearward end 32 a of the coupling member. The internal lip 34 a includesa surface 35 a facing the first forward end 31 a of the coupling member30 a. The forward facing surface 35 a of the lip 34 a may be a taperedsurface or side facing the first forward end 31 a of the coupling member30 a. However, the internal lip 34 a of coupling member 30 a may definethe second end 32 a of the coupling member 30 a, eliminating excessmaterial from the coupling member 30 a. Located somewhere on the outersurface 36 a of the coupling member 30 a may be a retaining structure 37a. The retaining structure 37 a of the coupling member 30 a may be anannular groove or recess that extends completely or partially around theouter surface 36 a of the coupling member 30 a to retain, accommodate,receive, or mate with an engagement member 97 of the sleeve 90.Alternatively, the retaining structure 37 a may be an annular protrusionthat extends completely or partially around the outer surface 36 a ofthe coupling member 30 a to retain or mate with the engagement member 97of the outer sleeve 90. The retaining structure 37 a may be placed atvarious axial positions from the first end 31 a to the 32 a, dependingon the configuration of the sleeve 90 and other design requirements ofconnector 100.

Moreover, embodiments of coupling member 30 a may include an outersurface feature(s) 38 a proximate or otherwise near the second end 32 ato improve mechanical interference or friction between the couplingmember 30 a and the sleeve 90. For instance, the outer surface feature38 a may extend completely or partially around the outer surface 36 aproximate the second 32 a of the coupling member 30 a to increase aretention force between an inner surface 93 of the sleeve 90 and theouter surface 36 a of the coupling member 30 a. The outer surfacefeature 38 a may include a knurled surface, a slotted surface, aplurality of bumps, ridges, grooves, or any surface feature that mayfacilitate contact between the sleeve 90 and the coupling member 30 a.In one embodiment, the coupling member 30 a may be referred to as apress-fit coupling member.

The structural configuration of the coupling member 30 a may varyaccording differing connector design parameters to accommodate differentfunctionality of a coaxial cable connector 100. For instance, the firstforward end 31 a of the coupling member 30 a may include internal and/orexternal structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots,openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which mayfacilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, sucha water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may helpprevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils,and dirt, at the first forward end 31 a of the coupling member 30 a,when mated with an interface port 20. Those in the art should appreciatethat the coupling member 30 a need not be threaded. Moreover, thecoupling member 30 a may comprise a coupler commonly used in connectingRCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common coaxial cableconnectors having standard coupler interfaces. The coupling member 30 amay be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum,or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through thecoupling member 30 a. Further embodiments of the coupling member 30 amay be formed of polymeric materials and may be non-conductive.Accordingly, the coupling member 30 a may be configured to extend anelectromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces ofan interface port 20 when a connector 100 is advanced onto the port 20.In addition, the coupling member 30 a may be formed of both conductiveand non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of thecoupling member 30 a may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder ofthe coupling member 30 a may be comprised of a metal or other conductivematerial. The coupling member 30 a may be formed of metals or polymersor other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed couplingmember body. Manufacture of the coupling member 30 a may includecasting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling,injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or otherfabrication methods that may provide efficient production of thecomponent. The forward facing surface 35 a of the coupling member 30 afaces a flange 44 the post 40 when operably assembled in a connector100, so as to allow the coupling member 30 a to rotate with respect tothe other component elements, such as the post 40 and the connector body50, of the connector 100.

Embodiments of connector 100 may include a post 40. The post 40comprises a first forward end 41 and an opposing second rearward end 42.Furthermore, the post 40 may comprise a flange 44, such as an externallyextending annular protrusion, located at the first end 41 of the post40. The flange 44 includes a rearward facing surface 45 that faces theforward facing surface 35 a, 35 b, 35 c of the coupling member 30 a, 30b, 30 c when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector, so as toallow the coupling member 30 to rotate with respect to the othercomponent elements, such as the post 40 and the connector body 50, ofthe connector 100-128. The rearward facing surface 45 of flange 44 maybe a tapered surface facing the second rearward end 42 of the post 40.Further still, an embodiment of the post 40 may include a surfacefeature 47 such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of aconnector body 50 to secure axial movement of the post 40 relative tothe connector body 50. However, the post need not include such a surfacefeature 47, and the coaxial cable connector 100-128 may rely onpress-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other componentstructures having features and geometries to help retain the post 40 insecure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connectorbody 50. The location proximate or near where the connector body issecured relative to the post 40 may include surface features 43, such asridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secureattachment and locating of the post 40 with respect to the connectorbody 50. Moreover, various components having larger or smaller diameterscan be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection with eachother. Additionally, the post 40 may include a mating edge 46, which maybe configured to make physical and electrical contact with acorresponding mating edge 26 of an interface port 20 (as shown inexemplary fashion in FIG. 1C). The post 40 should be formed such thatportions of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 andcenter conductor 18 (examples shown in FIG. 1C) may pass axially intothe second end 42 and/or through a portion of the tube-like body of thepost 40. Moreover, the post 40 should be dimensioned, or otherwisesized, such that the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the preparedcoaxial cable 10, around the dielectric 16 and under the protectiveouter jacket 12 and conductive grounding shield 14. Accordingly, wherean embodiment of the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the preparedcoaxial cable 10 under the drawn back conductive grounding shield 14,substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the shield 14 may beaccomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post 40. Thepost 40 should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may beformed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidlyformed post body. In addition, the post may be formed of a combinationof both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metalcoating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductivematerial. Manufacture of the post 40 may include casting, extruding,cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blowmolding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or otherfabrication methods that may provide efficient production of thecomponent.

Embodiments of a coaxial cable connector, such as connector 100, mayinclude a connector body 50. The connector body 50 may comprise a firstend 51 and opposing second end 52. Moreover, the connector body mayinclude a post mounting portion 57 proximate or otherwise near the firstend 51 of the body 50, the post mounting portion 57 configured tosecurely locate the body 50 relative to a portion of the outer surfaceof post 40, so that the connector body 50 is axially secured withrespect to the post 40, in a manner that prevents the two componentsfrom moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to theaxis of the connector 100. The internal surface of the post mountingportion 57 may include an engagement feature, such as an annular detentor ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mountingportion 57. However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions,slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other likestructural features may be included. In addition, the connector body 50may include an outer annular recess 58 located proximate or near thefirst end 51 of the connector body 50. Furthermore, the connector body50 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55, wherein theouter surface 55 may be configured to form an annular seal when thesecond end 52 is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable10 by operation of a compression portion 60. The connector body 50 mayinclude an outer ramped surface 56 and an internal annular notch 59 orgroove proximate the second end 52 to structurally facilitate thedeformation of the connector body 50, as described in further detailinfra.

Moreover, the connector body 50 may include an external annular detentlocated proximate or close to the second end 52 of the connector body50. Further still, the connector body 50 may include internal surfacefeatures, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate theinternal surface of the second end 52 of the connector body 50 andconfigured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an insertedand received coaxial cable 10, through tooth-like interaction with thecable. The connector body 50 may be formed of materials such asplastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials thatfacilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55. Further, theconnector body 50 may be formed of conductive or non-conductivematerials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling,injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding,combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provideefficient production of the component.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, embodiments of connector 100 mayinclude a sleeve 90 a. The sleeve 90 a may be engageable with thecoupling member 30 a. The sleeve 90 a may include a first end 91 a, asecond 91 a, an inner surface 93 a, and an outer surface 94 a. Thesleeve 90 a may be a generally annular member having a generally axialopening therethrough. The sleeve 90 a may be radially disposed over thecoupling member 30 a, or a portion thereof, the connector body 50, or aportion thereof the compression portion 60, or a portion thereof, andradial restriction member 65, or a portion thereof, while operablyassembled and/or in a compressed position. Proximate or otherwise nearthe first end 91 a, the sleeve 90 a may include an engagement member 97a configured to mate or engage with the retaining structure 37 a of thecoupling member 30 a. The engagement member 97 a may be an annular lipor protrusion that may enter or reside within the retaining structure 37a of the coupling member 30 a. For example, in embodiments where theretaining structure 37 a is an annular groove, the engagement member 97a may be a protrusion or lip that may snap into the groove located onthe coupling member 30 a to retain the sleeve 90 a in a single axialposition. In other words, the cooperating surfaces of the groove-likeretaining structure 37 a and the lip or protruding engagement member 97a may prevent axial movement of the sleeve 90 a once the connector 100is in an assembled configuration. Alternatively, the engagement member97 a may be an annular groove or recess that may receive or engage withthe retaining structure 37 a of the coupling member 30 a. For example,in embodiments where the retaining structure 37 a of the coupling member30 a is an annular protrusion, the engagement member 97 a may be agroove or recess that may allow the annular protruding retainingstructure 37 a of the coupling member 30 a to snap into to retain thesleeve 90 a in a single axial position. In other words, the cooperatingsurfaces of the protruding retaining structure 37 a and the groove-likeengagement member 97 a may prevent axial movement of the sleeve 90 aonce the connector 100 is in an assembled configuration. Those havingskill in the art should understand that various surface featureseffectuating cooperating surfaces between the coupling member 30 and thesleeve 90 may be implemented to retain the sleeve 90 a with respect tothe rest of the connector 100 in an axial direction. Furthermore, theengagement member 97 a of the sleeve 90 a may be segmented such that oneor more gaps may separate portions of the engagement member 97 a, whilestill providing sufficient structural engagement with the retainingstructure 37 a.

An embodiment of an assembled configuration of connector 100 withrespect to the sleeve 90 a may involve sliding the sleeve 90 a over thecoupling member 30 a in an axial direction starting from the first end31 a and continuing toward the second end 32 a of the coupling member 30a until sufficient mating and/or engagement occurs between theengagement member 97 a of the sleeve 90 a and the retaining structure 37a of the coupling member 30 a, as shown in FIG. 1B. Once in theassembled configuration, rotation of the sleeve 90 a may in turn causethe coupling member 30 a to simultaneously rotate in the same directionas the sleeve 90 a due to mechanical interference between the innersurface 93 a of the sleeve 90 a and the outer surface 36 a of thecoupling member 30 a. In some embodiments, the interference between thesleeve 90 a and the coupling member 30 a relies simply on a friction fitor interference fit between the components. Other embodiments include acoupling member 30 a with an outer surface feature(s) 38 a, as describedsupra, to improve the mechanical interference between the components.Further embodiments include a sleeve 90 a with internal surface features98 a positioned on the inner surface 93 a to improve the contact betweenthe components. Even further embodiments of connector 100 may include asleeve 90 a and a coupling member 30 a both having surface features 98a, 38 a, respectively. Embodiments of the inner surface features 98 a ofthe sleeve 90 a may include a knurled surface, a slotted surface, aplurality of bumps, ridges, rib, grooves, or any surface feature thatmay facilitate contact between the sleeve 90 a and the coupling member30. In many embodiments, the inner surface features 98 a of the sleeve90 a and the outer surface features 38 a of the coupling member 30 a maystructurally correspond with each other. For example, the inner geometryof the sleeve 90 a may reflect and/or structurally correspond with theouter geometric shape of the coupling member 30 a. Due to the engagementbetween the sleeve 90 a and the coupling member 30 a, a user may simplygrip and rotate/twist the sleeve 90 a to thread the coupling element 30a onto an interface port, such as interface port 20. Further still,embodiments of the sleeve 90 a may include outer surface features 99 a,such as annular serrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping ofthe sleeve 90 a while connecting the connector 100 onto an interfaceport. The sleeve 90 a may be formed of materials such as plastics,polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a rigidbody. Further, the sleeve 90 a may be formed of conductive ornon-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of thesleeve 90 a may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling,knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, componentovermolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that mayprovide efficient production of the component.

Embodiments of connector 100 may include a compression portion 60.Compression portion 60 may be operably attached to the connector body50. For instance, the compression portion 60 may be structurallyintegral with the connector body 50, wherein the compression portion 60separates or shears from the connector body 50 upon an axial force whichin turn radially compresses the second end 52 of the connector body 50onto the coaxial cable 10, as shown in FIG. 1C. The structuralconnection between the connector body 50 and the compression portion 60may be thin or otherwise breakable when compressive, axial force isapplied (e.g. by an axial compression tool). For example, thecompression portion 60 may have a frangible connection with theconnector body 50. Moreover, the structural connection or configurationbetween the connector body 50 and the compression portion 60 may bedefined by an internal annular notch 66 or groove of the compressionportion 60 and an outer ramped surface 56 of the connector body 50. Theannular notch 59 of the connector body 50 may further facilitate thedeformation of the second end 52 of the connector body 1350. Thecompression portion 60 may be formed of the same material as connectorbody 50 because they may be structurally integral with each other. Forexample, the compression portion 60 may be comprised of materials suchas plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials thatfacilitate a rigid body. Further, the compression portion 60 may beformed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combinationthereof. Manufacture of the compression member 60 may include casting,extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding,spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, orother fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of thecomponent.

Furthermore, embodiments of connector 100 may include a radialrestriction member 65 a. The radial restriction member 65 a may be abushing or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate therearward second end 52 of the connector body 50. For instance, theradial restriction member 65 a may surround the compression portion 60and a portion of the connector body 50 proximate the rearward second end52. The radial restriction member 65 a may be a generally annular,hollow cylindrically-shaped sleeve-like member comprised of stainlesssteel or other substantially rigid materials which may structurallyassist the crack and seal process of compression portion 60. Forinstance, when the compression portion 60 is axially compressed in adirection towards the coupling member 30, the radial restriction member65 a may axially displace along with the compression portion 60 and mayprevent the compression portion 60 from splintering or otherwisedisplacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards thecoupling member 30.

Embodiments of the compression portion 60 may create an environmentalseal around the coaxial cable 10 when in the fully compressed position.Specifically, when the compression portion 60 (and the radialrestriction member 65 a) is axially slid or compressed towards thecoupling member 30, the structural connection between the compressionportion 60 and the connector body 50 is severed, sheared, ruptured,etc., and the compression portion 60 comes into contact with the outerramped surface 56 of the connector body 50. The severing of thestructural connection between the connector body 50 and the compressionportion 60 essentially turns the internal notch 66 a into a cooperativeramped surface with the outer ramped surface 56 of the connector body50. Due to the cooperative ramped surfaces, the axial compression(displacement) of the compression portion 60 evenly compresses thesecond end 52 of the connector body 50 onto the outer jacket 12 of thecoaxial cable 10 and deforms the outer ramped surface 56, as shown inFIG. 1C. Accordingly, the compression portion 60 and potentially theradial restriction member 65 a may be referred to as a crack and sealcompression means with a radial restriction member 65 a. Those skilledin the requisite art should appreciate that the seal may be created bythe compression portion 60 without the radial restriction member 65 a.However, the radial restriction member 65 a significantly enhances thestructural integrity and functional operability of the compressionportion, for example, when it is compressed and sealed against anattached coaxial cable 10.

With reference to FIG. 2, embodiments of connector 101 may include acoupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90a, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 c.Radial restriction member 65 c may share the same or substantially thesame function as radial restriction member 65 a. However, radialrestriction member 65 c may be a cap member, or similar generallyannular, tubular member having an engagement surface for operableengagement with a compression tool. For instance, embodiments of theradial restriction member 65 c may include an internal annular lip 63 orinwardly extending flange proximate a rearward end 62 of the radialrestriction member 65 c. The radial restriction member 65 c may surroundor partially surround the compression portion 60 and a portion of theconnector body 50 proximate the rearward second end 52, wherein theinternal annular lip 63 of the radial restriction member 65 c may beconfigured to contact the compression portion 6 a prior to or upon axialcompression of the connector. The radial restriction member 65 c may becomprised of stainless steel or other substantially rigid materialswhich may structurally assist the crack and seal process of compressionportion 60. For instance, when the compression portion 60 is axiallycompressed in a direction towards the coupling member 30, the radialrestriction member 65 c may axially displace along with the compressionportion 60 and may prevent the compression portion 60 from splinteringor otherwise displacing in a direction other than substantially axialtowards the coupling member 30. Additionally, the internal lip 63proximate the rearward end 62 of the radial restriction member 65 c mayprovide an engagement surface for operable engagement with a compressiontool, or other device/means that provides the necessary compression tocompress seal connector 1302.

Referring now to FIG. 3, embodiments of connector 102 may include acoupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90a, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 b.Radial restriction member 65 b may share the same or substantially thesame function as radial restriction member 65 a. However, radialrestriction member 65 b may be one or more straps or bands that extendannularly around or partially around the compression portion 60. Theradial restriction member 65 b may be structurally attached to thecompression portion 60 in a variety of methods, such as press-fit,adhesion, cohesion, fastened, etc. For instance, the radial restrictionmember 65 b may reside within annular notches or grooves in thecompression portion 60. The notches or grooves may have various depthsto allow the radial restriction member 65 to be flush with the outersurface of the compression portion 60, to protrude from the outersurface of the compression portion 60, or to reside completely beneaththe outer surface of the compression portion 60. Moreover, the radialrestriction member 65 may be comprised of stainless steel or othersubstantially rigid materials which may structurally assist the crackand seal process of compression portion 60. For instance, when thecompression portion 60 is axially compressed in a direction towards thecoupling member 30 a, the radial restriction member 65 b may alsoprevent the compression portion 60 from splintering or otherwisedisplacing in a direction other than substantially axial towards thecoupling member 30 a.

With reference to FIG. 4A, embodiments of connector 103 may include acoupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90b, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of a connector 103 may include a coupling member 30 b.Coupling member 30 b may share the same or substantially the samestructural and functional aspects of coupling member 30 a. Accordingly,coupling member 30 b has a first forward end 31 b, an opposing secondrearward end 32 b, internal threading 33 b, an internal lip 34 bincluding a surface 35 b facing the first forward end 31 b of thecoupling member 30 b. However, the second rearward end 32 b, of thecoupling member 30 b may extend a significant axial distance to resideradially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of theconnector body 50, although the extended portion of the coupling member30 b need not contact the connector body 50. Additionally, couplingmember 30 b may include a retaining structure 37 b on an outer surface36 b of the coupling member 30 b. The retaining structure 37 b may sharethe same or substantially same structural and functional aspects of theretaining structure 37 a described in association with, for example,connector 100. Manufacture of the coupling member 30 b may includecasting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling,injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or otherfabrication methods that may provide efficient production of thecomponent. The forward facing surface 35 b of the coupling member 30 bfaces a flange 44 the post 40 when operably assembled in a coaxial cableconnector, so as to allow the coupling member 30 b to rotate withrespect to the other component elements, such as the post 40 and theconnector body 50.

Embodiments of connector 103 may include an outer sleeve 90 b. Sleeve 90b may share the same structural and functional aspects of sleeve 90 adescribed in association with, for example, connector 100. Accordingly,sleeve 90 b may include an engagement member 97 b that is configured tomate or engage with a retaining structure 37 b of the coupling member 30b. For example, the sleeve 90 b may include a first end 91 b, a secondend 92 b, an inner surface 93 b, and an outer surface 94 b, and may be agenerally annular member having a generally axial opening therethrough.However, the sleeve 90 b may be radially disposed over the couplingmember 30 b, or a portion thereof, the connector body 50, or a portionthereof, the compression portion 60, or a portion thereof, and theradial restriction member 65, while operably assembled and/or in acompressed position. Additionally, the sleeve 90 b may include anannular ramped surface 95 b or chamfer proximate or otherwise near thefirst end 91 b to accommodate an increased diameter or general size ofthe coupling member 30 b proximate a second, rearward end 32 b of thecoupling member 30 b. Embodiments of the ramped surface 95 b may bestructurally integral with the engagement member 97 b and the body ofthe sleeve 90 b. Furthermore, embodiments of an assembled configurationof connector 103 with respect to the sleeve 90 b may involve sliding thesleeve 90 b over the coupling member 30 b in an axial direction startingfrom the first end 31 b and continuing toward the second end 32 b of thecoupling member 30 b until sufficient mating and/or engagement occursbetween the engagement member 97 b of the sleeve 90 b and the retainingstructure 37 b of the coupling member 30 b, as shown in FIG. 4B. Sleeve90 b may also include outer surface feature(s) 99 b, such as annularserrations or slots, configured to enhance gripping of the sleeve 90while connecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of connector 104. Embodiments of connector104 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 b, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of connector 105. Embodiments of connector105 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 b, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b

Referring now to FIG. 7, embodiments of connector 106 may include anintegral sleeve 90 c, a post 40, a connector body 50, a compressionportion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 106 may include an integral sleeve 90 c. Anintegral sleeve 90 c may be a generally annular member having agenerally axial opening therethrough. The integral sleeve 90 c mayinclude a first end 91 c, a second end 1392 c, an outer surface 93 c,and an outer surface 94 c. Furthermore, the integral sleeve 90 c mayinclude a coupling portion 95 c proximate the first end 91 c and a bodyportion 96 c structurally integral with the coupling portion 95 c. Thecoupling portion 95 c may include internal threads for operableengagement with an interface port, such as interface port 20. Forinstance, the internal threads of the coupling portion 95 c of theintegral sleeve 90 c may correspond to threads on the outer surface ofan interface port. The coupling portion 95 c may also include aninternal lip 97 c, such as an annular protrusion. The internal lip 97 cincludes a surface 98 c facing the first forward end 91 c of theintegral sleeve 90 c. The forward facing surface 98 c of the lip 97 cmay be a tapered surface that corresponds to a tapered surface 45 of thepost 40. The forward facing surface 98 c of the coupling portion 95 cfaces the flange 44 of the post 40 when operably assembled in aconnector 106, so as to allow the integral sleeve 90 c to rotate withrespect to the other component elements, such as the post 40 and theconnector body 50. The structural configuration of the coupling portion95 c of integral sleeve 90 c may vary according to differing connectordesign parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxialcable connector. For instance, the first forward end 91 c of theintegral sleeve 90 c may include internal and/or external structuressuch as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, orother structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operablejoining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal orother attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress ofenvironmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at thefirst forward end 91 c of the integral sleeve 90 c, when mated with aninterface port 20. Those in the art should appreciate that the couplingportion 95 c need not be threaded.

Moreover, the integral sleeve 90 c includes a body portion 96 c that maybe structurally integral with the coupling portion 95 c to form an outersleeve that may surround the post 40, the connector body 50, thecompression portion 60, or a portion thereof, and the radial restrictionmember 65, or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressedposition. Because the body portion 96 c may be structurally integralwith the coupling portion 95 c, rotation or twisting of the body portion96 c can cause rotation or twisting of the coupling portion 95 c tooperably mate a coaxial cable connector, such as connector 106, onto aninterface port. Thus, the integral sleeve 90 c includes a larger surfacearea to grip and twist the integral sleeve 90 c to thread the couplingportion 95 c fully onto the interface port, such as interface port 20.Embodiments of the body portion 96 c of the integral sleeve 90 c mayinclude outer surface features, such as annular serrations or slots,configured to enhance gripping of the integral sleeve 90 c whileconnecting the coaxial cable connector onto an interface port. The bodyportion 96 c of the sleeve 90 c may be formed of materials such asplastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials thatfacilitate a rigid body, while the coupling portion 95 c may be formedof conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or othermetals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the connector. Inother words, the integral sleeve 90 c may be formed of both conductiveand non-conductive materials. For example, the external surface of thecoupling portion 95 c of the integral sleeve 90 c may be formed of apolymer, while the remainder of the coupling portion 95 c may becomprised of a metal or other conductive material. Alternatively, thecoupling portion 95 c and the body portion 96 c of the integral sleeve90 c may be formed of conductive materials such as metals or metalalloys, or may both be formed of polymers or other materials that wouldfacilitate a rigidly formed component. Manufacture of the integralsleeve 90 c may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning,tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinationsthereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficientproduction of the component.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of connector 107. Embodiments of connector107 may include an integral sleeve 90 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 c.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of connector 108. Embodiments of connector108 may include an integral sleeve 90 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 b.

With reference now to FIG. 10, embodiments of connector 109 may includea coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50, a sleeve 90 h, asealing member 80, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 109 may include a coupling member 30 c.Coupling member 30 c may share some of the structural and functionalaspects of embodiments of coupling member 30 a, 30 b, such as beingmated, threaded or otherwise, to a corresponding interface port 20.Coupling member 30 c may include a first end 31 c, a second end 32 c, aninner surface 33 c, at least a portion of which is threaded, aconnector-grasping portion 39 c, and an outer surface 34 c, including aseal-grasping surface portion 36 c. The seal-grasping surface portion 36c may be a flat, smooth surface or a flat, roughened surface suitable tofrictionally and/or adhesively engage an interior sealing surface 83 ofthe sealing member 80. Embodiments of the seal-grasping surface portion36 c may also contain a ridge that together with the seal graspingsurface portion 36 c forms a groove or shoulder that is suitably sizedand shaped to correspondingly engage an internal shoulder 87 of thesealing member 80 adjacent the interior sealing surface 83 in alocking-type interference fit between the coupling member 30 c and thesealing member 80.

Moreover, the coupling member 30 c may further include a couplingmember-turning surface portion on an outer surface 84 of the sealingmember 80. The coupling member-turning surface portion may have at leasttwo flat surface regions that allow engagement with the surfaces of atool such as a wrench. In one embodiment, the coupling member-turningsurface is hexagonal. Alternatively, the coupling member-turning surfacemay be a knurled surface to facilitate hand-turning of the nutcomponent. Furthermore, upon engagement of the sealing member 80 withthe coupling member 30 c, a rear sealing surface of the sealing member80 abuts a side/edge surface of the coupling member 30 c to form asealing relationship in that region. In one embodiment, theconnector-grasping portion 36 c of the coupling member 30 c is aninternally-projecting shoulder that engages a flange 44 of the post 40in such a manner that the coupling member 30 c can be freely rotated asit is held in place as part of the connector.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, connector 109 may include a sealingmember 80. The sealing member may include a first end 81, a second end82, an inner surface 83, and an outer surface 84. The sealing member 80may have a generally tubular body that is elastically deformable bynature of its material characteristics and design. In most embodiments,the seal member 80 is a one-piece element made of a compression molded,elastomer material having suitable chemical resistance and materialstability (i.e., elasticity) over a temperature range between about −40°C. to +40° C. For example, the sealing member 80 may be made of siliconerubber. Alternatively, the material may be propylene, a typical O-ringmaterial. Other materials known in the art may also be suitable.Furthermore, the first end 81 of sealing member 80 may be a free end forultimate engagement with a port, while the second end 82 may be forultimate connection to the coupling member 30 c. The sealing member 80may have a forward sealing surface, a rear sealing portion including aninterior sealing surface 83 that integrally engages the coupling member30 c, and an integral joint-section intermediate the first and secondend 81, 82 of the tubular body of the sealing member 80. The forwardsealing surface 85 at the first end 81 of the sealing member 80 mayinclude annular facets to assist in forming a seal with the port, suchas interface port 20. Alternatively, forward sealing surface 85 may be acontinuous rounded annular surface that forms effective seals throughthe elastic deformation of the inner surface 83 and end of the sealingmember 80 compressed against the port. The integral joint-sectionincludes a portion of the length of the sealing member 80 which isrelatively thinner in radial cross-section to encourage an outwardexpansion or bowing of the seal upon its axial compression. In anexemplary embodiment, the coupling member grasping surface includes aninterior sealing surface which forms an annular surface on the inside ofthe tubular body, and an internal shoulder 87 of the tubular bodyadjacent the second end 82. Accordingly, compressive axial force may beapplied against one or both ends of the seal depending upon the lengthof the port intended to be sealed. The force will act to axiallycompress the seal whereupon it will expand radially in the vicinity ofthe integral joint-section. In one embodiment, the integraljoint-section is located axially asymmetrically intermediate the firstend 81 and the second end 82 of the tubular body, and adjacent ananterior end of the interior sealing surface 83. Embodiments of thesealing member 80 may have an interior diameter at the integraljoint-section equal to about 0.44 inches in an uncompressed state; thetubular body of the sealing member 80 may have a length from the firstend 81 to the second end 82 of about 0.36 inches in an uncompressedstate. However, it is contemplated that the joint-section can bedesigned to be inserted anywhere between she sealing surface and thefirst end 81. The sealing member 80 may prevent the ingress of corrosiveelements when the seal is used for its intended function.

Referring still to FIG. 10, embodiments of connector 109 may include anouter sleeve 90 h. The outer sleeve 90 h may be engageable with couplingmember 30 c. Sleeve 90 h may share the same or substantially the samestructural and functional aspects of sleeve 90 a, described supra, andsleeve 90 d, 90 f, described infra. Accordingly, the sleeve 90 h mayinclude a first end 91 h, a second end 92 h, an inner surface 93 h, andan outer surface 94 h. However, the sleeve 90 h need not include anengagement member, such as an embodiment of engagement member 97 a. Themechanical interference to effectuate simultaneous rotation/twisting ofthe sleeve 90 h and the coupling member 30 c between coupling member 30c and sleeve 90 h may rely on a press-fit or interference fit betweenthe components. Alternatively, the sleeve 90 h may and coupling member30 c may include corresponding internal (sleeve 90 h) and external(coupling member 30 c) surface features to facilitate mechanicalinterference between the components. Internal and external surfacefeatures of sleeve 90 h and coupling member 30 c may share thestructural and functional aspects as surface features 98 a and 38 a, asdescribed in association with, for example, connector 100.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of connector 110. Embodiments of connector110 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a sleeve 90 h, a sealing member 80, a compression portion 60, and aradial restriction member 65 c.

FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of connector 111. Embodiments of connector111 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a sleeve 90 h, a sealing member 80, a compression portion 60, and aradial restriction member 65 b.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 13 depicts an embodimentof connector 112. Embodiments of connector 112 may include a couplingmember 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50, a sleeve 90 d, acompression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 112 may include a sleeve 90 d. Sleeve 90 d maybe engageable with the coupling member 30 a. Sleeve 90 d may share thesame or substantially the same structural and functional aspects ofsleeve 90 a. Accordingly, sleeve 90 d may include an engagement member97 d that is configured to mate or engage with a retaining structure 37a of the coupling member 30 a. Additionally, the sleeve 90 d may includea first end 91 d, a second end 92 d, an inner surface 93 d, and an outersurface 94 d, and may be a generally annular member having a generallyaxial opening therethrough. Additionally, sleeve 90 d may surround thecoupling member 30 a, the post 40, the connector body 50, or a portionthereof, the compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65,or a portion thereof when in an assembled and/or compressed position.However, the sleeve 90 d may extend towards the first end 31 a ofcoupling member 30 a. In one embodiment, the first end 91 d of thesleeve 90 d may be flush or substantially flush with an edge of thecoupling member 30 a proximate or otherwise near the first end 31 a ofthe coupling member 30 a. Moreover, the engagement member 97 d may belocated proximate or otherwise near the edge of the first end 91 d ofthe sleeve 90 d. The engagement member 97 d may be configured to mate orengage a retaining structure 37 a of the coupling member 30 a that iscorrespondingly located proximate or otherwise near the first end 31 aof the coupling member 30 a.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of connector 113. Embodiments of connector113 may include a coupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 d, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of connector 114. Embodiments of connector114 may include a coupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 d, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b.

Referring now to FIG. 16, embodiments of connector 115 may include acoupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90g, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 115 may include an outer sleeve 90 g. Sleeve 90g may be engageable with the coupling member 30 b. Sleeve 90 g may sharethe same or substantially the same function as sleeve 90 b and sleeve 90f described infra. Accordingly, the sleeve 90 g may include a first end91 g, a second end 92 g, an inner surface 93 g, and an outer surface 94g, and may be a generally annular member having a generally axialopening therethrough. Sleeve 90 g may surround the coupling member 30 b,the post 40, the connector body 50, or a portion thereof, thecompression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65, or a portionthereof, when in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, thesleeve 90 g may extend towards the first end 31 b of coupling member 30b. However, sleeve 90 g may include an inwardly extending lip 97 gproximate or otherwise near the first end 91 g of the sleeve 90 g, whichcan help guide the coupling member 30 b onto a corresponding interfaceport. The lip 97 g may share the same structural and functional aspectsof the engagement member 97 b. For instance, the lip 97 g may radiallyinwardly extend a distance sufficient to prevent axial movement of thesleeve 90 g in a direction towards the second end 32 b of the couplingmember 30 b when operably assembled and/or in a compressed position. Anembodiment of an assembled configuration of connector 115 with respectto the sleeve 90 g may involve sliding the sleeve 90 g over the couplingmember 30 b in an axial direction starting from the first end 31 b andcontinuing toward the second end 32 b of the coupling member 30 b untilsufficient mechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between thelip 97 g of the sleeve 90 g and frontal edge or mating surface of thecoupling member 30 b. The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve90 g and the coupling member 30 b may be effectuated in the same orsimilar manner as described between the sleeve 90 b and the couplingmember 30 b.

FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of connector 116. Embodiments of connector116 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 g, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of connector 117. Embodiments of connector117 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 g, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b.

With reference now to FIG. 19, embodiments of connector 118 may includea coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve90 f, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 118 may include an outer sleeve 90 f. Sleeve 90f may share the same or substantially the same structural and functionalaspects of sleeve 90 b. Accordingly, sleeve 90 f may include anengagement member 97 f that is configured to mate or engage with aretaining structure 37 b of the coupling member 30 b. For example, thesleeve 90 f may include a first end 91 f, a second end 92 f, an innersurface 93 f, and an outer surface 94 f, and may be a generally annularmember having a generally axial opening therethrough. Additionally,sleeve 90 f may surround the coupling member 30 b, the post 40, theconnector body 50, or a portion thereof, the compression portion 60, anda radial restriction member 65, or a portion thereof when in anassembled and/or compressed position. However, the sleeve 90 f mayextend towards the first end 31 b of coupling member 30 b. In oneembodiment, the first end 91 f of the sleeve 90 f may be flush orsubstantially flush with an edge of the coupling member 30 b proximateor otherwise near the first end 31 b of the coupling member 30 b.Moreover, the engagement member 97 f may be located proximate orotherwise near the edge of the first end 91 f of the sleeve 90 f. Theengagement member 97 f may be configured to mate or engage a retainingstructure 37 b of the coupling member 30 b that is correspondinglylocated proximate or otherwise near the first end 31 b of the couplingmember 30 b.

FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of connector 119. Embodiments of connector119 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 f, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 21 depicts an embodiment of connector 120. Embodiments of connector120 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 f, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b.

Referring now to FIG. 22, embodiments of connector 121 may include acoupling member 30 a, a post 40, a connector body 50, an outer sleeve 90e, a compression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65 a.

Embodiments of connector 121 may include an outer sleeve 90 e. Sleeve 90e may share the same or substantially the same function as sleeve 90 aand sleeve 90 d. Accordingly, the sleeve 90 e may include a first end 91e, a second end 92 e, an inner surface 93 e, and an outer surface 94 e,and may be a generally annular member having a generally axial openingtherethrough. Sleeve 90 e may surround the coupling member 30 a, thepost 40, the connector body 50, or a portion thereof, the compressionportion 60, and a radial restriction member 65, or a portion thereofwhen in an assembled and/or compressed position. Moreover, the sleeve 90e may extend towards the first end 31 a of coupling member 30 a.However, sleeve 90 e may include an inwardly extending lip 97 eproximate or otherwise near the first end 91 e of the sleeve 90 e, whichcan help guide the coupling member 30 a onto a corresponding interfaceport. The lip 97 e may share the same functional aspects of theengagement member 97 a, 97 d of sleeve 90 a, 90 d, respectively. Forinstance, the lip 97 e may radially inwardly extend a distancesufficient to prevent axial movement of the sleeve 90 e in a directiontowards the second end 32 a of the coupling member 30 a when operablyassembled and/or in a compressed position. An embodiment of an assembledconfiguration of connector 121 with respect to the sleeve 90 e mayinvolve sliding the sleeve 90 e over the coupling member 30 a in anaxial direction starting from the first end 31 a and continuing towardthe second end 32 a of the coupling member 30 a until sufficientmechanical interference and/or engagement occurs between the lip 97 e ofthe sleeve 90 e and frontal edge or mating surface of the couplingmember 30 a. The simultaneous rotation/twisting of the sleeve 90 e andthe coupling member 30 a may be effectuated in the same or similarmanner as described between the sleeve 90 a and the coupling member 30a.

FIG. 23 depicts an embodiment of connector 122. Embodiments of connector122 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 e, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 24 depicts an embodiment of connector 123. Embodiments of connector123 may include a coupling member 30 b, a post 40, a connector body 50,an outer sleeve 90 e, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b

Continuing to refer to the drawings, FIGS. 25-27 depict an embodiment ofconnector 124-128 that may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, aseal member 80, a connector body 50, a connector body seal element 5, acompression portion 60, and a radial restriction member 65. Embodimentsof a radial restriction member 65 may be radial restriction member 65 a,radial restriction member 65 b, or radial restriction member 65 c.

Referring to FIG. 25, embodiments of connector 124 may include acoupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50, a sealing member80, a connector body seal element 5, a compression portion 60, and aradial restriction member 65 a.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of connector 125. Embodiments of connector125 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a sealing member 80, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 c.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of connector 126. Embodiments of connector127 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a sealing member 80, a compression portion 60, and a radial restrictionmember 65 b.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, embodiments of connector 127-128 mayinclude a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a seal member 80, a connectorbody 50, a sleeve 90 h, a connector body seal element 5, and acompression portion 260. Embodiments of a compression portion 260 may becompression portion 260 b or compression portion 260 c.

FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of connector 127. Embodiments of connector127 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a connector body seal member 5, a sleeve 90 h, and a compression portion260 b.

Embodiments of connector 127 may include a compression portion 260 b.Compression portion 260 b may be a fastener member that is inserted overthe connector body 50 to deformably compress the connector body 50 ontothe cable 10. The compression portion 260 b may have a first end 261 andopposing second end 262. In addition, the compression portion 260 mayinclude an internal annular protrusion 263 located proximate the firstend 261 of the compression portion 260 b and configured to mate andachieve purchase with the annular detent 53 on the outer surface 55 ofconnector body 50. Moreover, the compression portion 260 b may comprisea central passageway defined between the first end 261 and second end262 and extending axially through the compression portion 260 b. Thecentral passageway may comprise a ramped surface 266 which may bepositioned between a first opening or inner bore having a first diameterpositioned proximate with the first end 261 of the compression portion260 b and a second opening or inner bore having a second diameterpositioned proximate with the second end 262 of the compression portion260 b. The ramped surface 266 may act to deformably compress the outersurface 55 of a connector body 50 when the compression portion 260 b isoperated to secure a coaxial cable 10. For example, the narrowinggeometry will compress squeeze against the cable, when the compressionportion is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connectorbody. Additionally, the compression portion 260 b may comprise anexterior surface feature 269 positioned proximate with or close to thesecond end 262 of the compression portion 260 b. The surface feature 269may facilitate gripping of the compression portion 260 b duringoperation of the connector. Although the surface feature 269 is shown asan annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge,notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping typearrangements. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisiteart, that the compression portion 260 b may be formed of rigid materialssuch as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/orcombinations thereof. Furthermore, the compression portion 260 b may bemanufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling,knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, componentovermolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that mayprovide efficient production of the component.

FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of connector 128. Embodiments of connector128 may include a coupling member 30 c, a post 40, a connector body 50,a sealing member 80, a connector body seal member 5, a sleeve 90 h, anda compression portion 260 c.

Embodiments of connector 128 may include a compression portion 260 c.Compression portion 260 c may be an insertable compression sleeve ortubular locking compression member that resides internally with respectto the connector body 50 in the compressed position. The compressionportion 260 c may include a first end 261 c, a second end 262 c, aninner surface 263, and an outer surface 264 c. The compression portion260 c may be pushed into the connector body 50 to squeeze against andsecure the cable 10. For instance, the compression portion 260 c mayprotrude axially into an annular chamber through the rear opening, andmay be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connectorbody 50 to compress into the connector body 50 and retain the cable 10.The compression portion 260 c may be displaceable or movable axially orin the general direction of the axis of the connector between a firstopen position (accommodating insertion of the tubular inner post 40 intoa prepared cable 10 end to contact the grounding shield 14), and asecond clamped position compressibly fixing the cable 10 within thechamber of the connector because the compression portion 260 c issqueezed into retraining contact with the cable 10 within the connectorbody 50. Furthermore, the compression portion 260 c may include a lip265 c proximate the first end 261 c, wherein the lip 265 c of thecompression portion 260 c mates with the internal groove of theconnector body 50.

Further embodiments of a coaxial cable connector may include a couplingmember 30, a post 40, a connector body 50, a sealing member 80, aconnector body seal member 5, a sleeve 90, a compression portion 60/260,and a radial restriction member 65 a/65 b/65 c. Embodiments of sleeve 90may include sleeve 90 a/90 b/90 d/90 e/90 f/90 g/90 h, or may simplyshare the same structural and functional aspects, yet be configured tooperably attach to a coupling member having molded plastic threads, or acoupling member that is completely molded. Embodiments of a couplingmember 30, which may share the same or substantially the same structuraland functional aspects of 30 a/30 b/30 c, may include plastic threadsdesigned to seal against the external threads 23 of port 20 to keepmoisture and other physical contaminants out. For example, the threadsmay be cut slightly different resulting in a differently shaped ordimensioned thread from the threads 23 of the port 20 to achieve a sealwith the port 20. Furthermore, the threads could be slightly over-sizedcausing the metallic threads 23 of the port 20 to slice, pierce, grind,etc., into and against the plastic threads of the plastic couplingmember 30 as the plastic coupling member 30 is being threaded onto theport 20. The threads can be molded or machined, and the coupling member30 can be all plastic (molded or machined) or the coupling member 30 canhave a plastic insert that has molded or cut threads. Additionally, theplastic threads may be shaped like pipe-threads causing thenon-pipe-thread-shaped threads of the port 20 to seal against theplastic threads of the coupling member 30 when the coupling member 30 isadvanced onto the port 20. The threads may also include a smallprotrusion feature running along the threads that forms a seal with thethreads of the port 20 as the coupling member 30 is advanced onto theport 20. Embodiments of a plastic coupling member (or partially plasticcoupling member having plastic threads), in addition to creating aphysical seal, may inherently create a secure connection to the port 20because a tight friction-fit may likely be formed with the port 20 asthe threads of the coupling member 30 are advanced (with some amount offorce that may be necessary to overcome the friction) onto the threadsof the port 20.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that various combinations andembodiments disclosed and described in detail herein may include a bodyseal element, such as connector body seal element 5, to provide anenvironmental seal for the coaxial cable connector.

With reference to FIGS. 1-29, a method of fastening a coaxial cable,such as coaxial cable 10, to a communication port, such as port 20. Themethod may comprise a step of providing a coaxial cable connector100-128 including: a connector body 50, a post 40 operably attached tothe connector body 50, the post 40 having a flange 44, a coupling member30 a/30 b/30 c axially rotatable with respect to the post 40 and theconnector body 50, the coupling member 30 a/30 b/30 c including a lip 34a/34 b/36 c, an outer sleeve 90 a/90 b/90 c/90 d/90 e/90 f/90 g/90 hengageable with the coupling member 30 a/30 b/30 c, and a compressionportion 60 structurally integral with the connector body 50. Anothermethod step may include axially compressing the compression portion 60to form an environmental seal around the coaxial cable 10, wherein whenaxially compressed, the compression portion 60 breaks away from theconnector body 50 and securely connects to the coaxial cable 10. Stillanother method step may include fastening the coupling member 30 a/30b/30 c to an interface port by operating the outer sleeve 90 a/90 b/90c/90 d/90 e/90 f/90 g/90 h.

Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, embodiments of a coaxial cableconnector 2000 is shown and described. Embodiments of connector 2000 mayshare some of the same structural and functional aspects and componentsas described in association with connectors 100-123. For instance,connector 2000 may comprise a coupling member 2030, a post 2040, aconnector body 2050, a compression portion 2060, a radial restrictionmember 2065, and a connector body seal member 2005 such as, for example,a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of the connector body2050. Embodiments of coupling member 2030 may be either coupling member2030 a or coupling member 2030 b, and may share the same orsubstantially the same structure and function of the coupling member 30,described supra. Embodiments of post 2040 may share the same structureand functional of post 40, described supra. In some embodiments ofconnector 2000, a gas-tight seal may be effectuated between the post2040 and the coupling member 2030, and the coupling member and/or postmay be comprised of Nickel plated brass for added environmentalprotection for the connector 2000. Moreover, some embodiments ofconnector 2000 may a bandwidth of 0 MHz-3 GHz, a nominal impedance of 75Ohms, a minimum −30 dB to 3 GHz return loss, an insertion loss less than0.10 dB to 3 GHz, an operating voltage of 90V (at 60 Hz continuous AC),an operating temperature between −40° F. to 140° F. (−40° C. to 60° C.),and a cable retention of 40 lbs minimum. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that the specifications described herein refer to approximatevalues of one exemplary embodiment of connector 2000. Connector 2000 maycome in a preassembled configuration, ready to be attached to a preparedend of a coaxial cable 10, typically through operation of a compressiontool.

Embodiments of connector 2000 may include a connector body 2050. Theconnector body 2050 may comprise a first end 2051 and opposing secondend 2052. Moreover, the connector body 2050 may include a post mountingportion 2057 proximate or otherwise near the first end 2051 of the body2050, the post mounting portion 2057 configured to securely locate thebody 2050 relative to a portion of the outer surface of post 2040, sothat the connector body 2050 is axially secured with respect to the post2040, in a manner that prevents the two components from moving withrespect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of theconnector 2000. The internal surface of the post mounting portion 2057may include an engagement feature, such as an annular detent or ridgehaving a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting portion207. However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots,holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other likestructural features may be included. In addition, the connector body2050 may include an outer annular recess 2058 located proximate or nearthe first end 2051 of the connector body 2050. Furthermore, theconnector body 2050 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outersurface 2055, wherein the second end 2052 of the connector body 2050 maybe configured to form an annular seal when the second end 2052 isdeformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10 by operationof a compression portion 2060. The connector body 2050 may include anouter ramped surface 2056 to gradually reduce thickness of the connectorbody 2050 proximate the second end 2052 and define a weakened annularportion with a cooperating internal annular groove 2066 of thecompression portion 2060. Further embodiments of connector body 2050 mayinclude an internal annular notch 2059 or groove located an axialdistance towards the coupling member 2030 from the internal annulargroove 2066 of the compression portion 2060 to structurally facilitatethe deformation of the connector body 2050, as described in furtherdetail infra.

Moreover, the connector body 2050 may include an external annular detent2071 located proximate or close to the second end 2052 of the connectorbody 2050. The external annular detent 2071 may be configured toreceive, mate with, engage with, and/or cooperate with an internal lip2081 of a radial restriction member 2065. Embodiments of the externalannular detent 2071 may include a ramped portion 2072 and a lip portion2073. The ramped portion 2072 of the external detent 2071 may facilitatesmooth or otherwise gradient axial movement of the radial restrictionmember 2065 towards the coupling member 30 as the radial restrictionmember 2065 and the compression 2060 are being axially compressed. Thelip portion 2073 may form a wall or similar edge that is perpendicularor substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 2055 of theconnector body 2050. The location and structure of the lip portion 2073of the external annular detent 2071 may prevent or interfere with axialmovement of the radial restriction member 2065 in a direction away fromthe coupling member 30, which could result in the radial restrictionmember 2065 sliding off of the connector 2000. In other words, theradial restriction member 2065 may operably engage the connector body2050 when the internal lip 2081 of the radial restriction member 2065snaps into place or cooperates with the external annular detent 2071 ofthe connector body 2050. Further still, the connector body 2050 mayinclude internal surface features, such as annular serrations formednear or proximate the internal surface of the second end 2052 of theconnector body 2050 and configured to enhance frictional restraint andgripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable 10, throughtooth-like interaction with the cable. The connector body 2050 may beformed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals orcomposite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outersurface 2055. Further, the connector body 2050 may be formed ofconductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof.Manufacture of the connector body 50 may include casting, extruding,cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blowmolding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or otherfabrication methods that may provide efficient production of thecomponent.

Embodiments of connector 2000 may include a compression portion 2060.Compression portion 2060 may be operably attached to the connector body2050 through a frangible connection 2090. For instance, the compressionportion 2060 may be structurally integral with the connector body 2050,wherein the compression portion 2060 separates or shears from theconnector body 2050 upon an axial force which in turn radiallycompresses the second end 2052 of the connector body 2050 onto thecoaxial cable 10, as shown in FIG. 32. The structural connection (i.e.frangible connection 2090) between the connector body 2050 and thecompression portion 2060 may be thin, frangible, weakened, or otherwisebreakable when compressive, axial force is applied (e.g. by an axialcompression tool). For example, the compression portion 2060 may have afrangible or breakable connection with the connector body 2050.Moreover, the structural connection or configuration between theconnector body 2050 and the compression portion 2060 may be defined byan internal annular notch 2066 or groove of the compression portion 2060and an outer ramped surface 2056 of the connector body 2050. Embodimentsof the internal annular groove 2066 may include a ramped inner surface2074 formed from part of the connector body 2050, and a ramped innersurface 2094 formed from part of the compression portion 2060. In otherwords, the internal annular groove 2066 may comprise two opposinglyramped inner surfaces 2094, 2074 converging toward the frangibleconnection 2090 to reduce the overall thickness and/or girth of thefrangible connection 2090 and help control the breaking pattern of thecompression portion 2060 from the connector body 2050. Ramped innersurface 2094 forming the annular groove 2066 may be part of thecompression portion 2060, and may have the same or similar angle (withrespect to a uniform portion of the inner surface 2054) as the outerramped surface 2056, such that when the frangible connection 2090 issevered, the ramped inner surface 2094 of the annular groove 2066associated with the compression portion 2060 can cooperate with theouter ramped surface 2056 of the connector body 2050 during compressionof the connector 2000. The internal annular groove 2066 may act as astress concentrator for consistent cracking form and location duringcompression. Accordingly, embodiments of connector 2000 may include astress concentrator along an inner surface 2054 of the connector body2050 to facilitate controlled deformation and/or cracking of thefrangible connection 2090. One embodiment of a stress concentrator maybe the internal annular groove 2066. Other embodiments of a stressconcentrator may include a different internal geometry than as describedabove, and achieve the same result. For instance, an embodiment of astress concentrator may be any internal geometry at one or morelocations along the compression portion 2060, the connector body 2050,or a combination of the compression portion 2060 and the connector body2050 that either or both facilitates a consistent and/or even crackingof a frangible connection therebetween and facilitates the axialmovement of the various connector components during compression.

Embodiments of the compression portion 2060 may include a first outerramped surface 2092 proximate the frangible connection 2090. The firstouter ramped surface 2092 of the compression portion 2060 may help togradually reduce the thickness of the compression portion proximate thefrangible connection 2090; furthermore, the first outer ramped surface2092 may also provide a small amount of space for the compressionportion 2060 to more efficiently and smoothly ride up along the outerramped surface 2056 of the connector body 2050 during compression of thecompression portion 2060. Further still, embodiments of the compressionportion 2060 may include a second outer ramped surface 2093 at anopposing end of the compression portion 2060 from the first outer rampedportion 2092. The second outer ramped portion 2093 may extend less axialdistance than the first outer ramped surface 2092, and may provide someclearance or leeway for the radial restriction member 2065 when beingcompressed. The annular notch 2059 of the connector body 2050 located anaxial distance from the internal annular notch 2066 may furtherfacilitate the deformation of the second end 2052 of the connector body2050.

Additionally, the frangible connection 2090 may be located at an axialdistance along the connector 2000 just prior to, proximate, or otherwisenear the single barb 2049 on the second end of the post 2040 to allowfor compression of the second end 2052 of the connector body 2050 ontothe cable 10 at a location where the grounding shield 14 and jacket 12bulge out from engagement with the annular barb 2049. If the groundingshield 14 and jacket 12 of the cable 10 are radially displaced outwardbased on engagement with the single, annular barb 2049 of the post 2040,then the second end 2052 of the connector body 2050 can exert more forceagainst the shield 14 and jacket 12 to enhance the seal created aroundthe cable 10 proximate the rear end of the connector 2000. Embodimentsof the compression portion 2060 may be formed of the same material asconnector body 2050 because they may be structurally integral with eachother. For example, the compression portion 2060 may be comprised ofmaterials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or compositematerials that facilitate a rigid body. Further, the compression portion2060 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or acombination thereof. Manufacture of the compression member 2060 mayinclude casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling,injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding,combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provideefficient production of the component.

Furthermore, embodiments of connector 2000 may include a radialrestriction member 2065. The radial restriction member 2065 may be asleeve or similar annular tubular member disposed proximate the rearwardsecond end 2052 of the connector body 2050. For instance, the radialrestriction member 2065 may surround the compression portion 2060 and aportion of the connector body 2050 proximate the rearward second end2052. Embodiments of the radial restriction member 2065 may include anengagement surface for operable engagement with a compression tool. Forinstance, embodiments of the radial restriction member 2065 may includean internal annular lip 2063 or inwardly extending flange proximate arearward end 2062 of the radial restriction member 2065. The lip 2063may radially inwardly extend a distance to cover about half of thethickness of the compression portion 2060. The radial restriction member2065 may surround or partially surround the compression portion 2060 anda portion of the connector body 2050 proximate the rearward second end2052, wherein the internal annular lip 2063 of the radial restrictionmember 2065 may be configured to contact the compression portion 2060prior to or upon axial compression of the connector. Additionally, theinternal lip 2063 proximate the rearward end 2062 of the radialrestriction member 2065 may provide an engagement surface for operableengagement with a compression tool, or other device/means that providesthe necessary compression to compress seal connector 2000. The radialrestriction member 2065 may be a generally annular, hollowcylindrically-shaped sleeve-like member comprised of stainless steel orother substantially rigid materials which may structurally assist thecrack and seal process of compression portion 2060. For instance, whenthe compression portion 2060 is axially compressed in a directiontowards the coupling member 2030, the radial restriction member 2065 mayaxially displace along with the compression portion 2060 and may preventthe compression portion 2060 from splintering or otherwise displacing ina direction other than substantially axial towards the coupling member2030. Furthermore, the axial length of the radial restriction member2065 may vary, but when in the uncompressed position, a forward end 2061of the radial restriction member 2065 may terminate a distance justbeyond (towards coupling member 2030) the external annular detent 2071,sufficient to allow the radial restriction member 2065 to securablyattach to the connector body 2050. Embodiments of the radial restrictionmember 2065 may be a radial restriction member sharing the same orsubstantially the same structure and function of the radial restrictionmember 65 a, and 65 b described supra.

Embodiments of the compression portion 2060 may create an environmentalseal around the coaxial cable 10 when in the fully compressed position(shown in FIG. 32). Specifically, when the compression portion 2060 (andthe radial restriction member 2065) is axially slid or compressedtowards the coupling member 2030, the frangible connection 2090 betweenthe compression portion 2060 and the connector body 2050 is severed,sheared, ruptured, etc., and the compression portion 2060 comes intocontact with the outer ramped surface 2056 of the connector body 2050.The severing of the frangible connection 2090 between the connector body2050 and the compression portion 2060 essentially turns the internalnotch 2066 into a cooperative ramped surface with the outer rampedsurface 2056 of the connector body 2050. Due to the cooperative rampedsurfaces, the axial compression (displacement) of the compressionportion 2060 evenly compresses the second end 2052 of the connector body2050 onto the outer jacket 12 of the coaxial cable 10 and deforms theouter ramped surface 2056, as shown in FIG. 32. Accordingly, thecompression portion 2060 and potentially the radial restriction member2065 may be referred to as a crack and seal compression means with aradial restriction member 2065. Those skilled in the requisite artshould appreciate that the seal may be created by the compressionportion 2060 without the radial restriction member 2065. However, theradial restriction member 2065 significantly enhances the structuralintegrity and functional operability of the compression portion, forexample, when it is compressed and sealed against an attached coaxialcable 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 30-32, an embodiment of a method offastening a coaxial cable to a coaxial cable may include the steps ofproviding a coaxial cable connector 2000 including: a connector body2050 having an outer ramped surface 2056, a post 2040 engageable withthe connector body 2050, a coupling member 2030 axially rotatable withrespect to the post 2040, and a compression portion 2060 structurallyintegral with the connector body 2050, the compression portion 2060having a ramped inner surface 2094, and axially compressing thecompression portion 2060 to securably attach the connector 2000 to thecoaxial cable 10 and form an environmental seal around the coaxial cable10, wherein the inner ramped surface 2094 is configured to cooperatewith the outer ramped surface 2056 during the axial compression of thecompression portion 2060 onto a portion of the connector body 2050.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide thescope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to thespecific examples provided herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coaxial cable connector having a post and acoupling element configured to engage the post comprising; acrack-and-seal body member including a first portion having an innerramped portion, a second portion having an outer ramped portion, and aseparation portion between the first portion and the second portion, andwherein the first portion is configured to move between a firstposition, where the inner ramped portion is not engaged with the outerramped portion and the first portion is connected to the second portion,and a second position, where the first portion is sufficiently engagedwith the second portion so as to separate the first portion from thesecond portion along the separation portion and allow the first portionto form a seal around a cable.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein thefirst portion comprises a compression portion.
 3. The connector of claim1, wherein the separation portion comprises a groove.
 4. The connectorof claim 1, wherein the separation portion comprises a stressconcentration portion.
 5. A method for providing a coaxial cableconnector having a coupling element configured to engage a postcomprising; arranging a break-and-sealable body member so as to engage apost, the body member including a first portion having an inner rampedportion, a second portion having an outer ramped portion, and aseparation portion between the first portion and the second portion, andconfiguring the first portion so as to move between a first position,where the inner ramped portion is not engaged with the outer rampedportion and the first portion is connected to the second portion, and asecond position, where the inner ramped portion is sufficiently engagedwith the outer ramped portion so as to separate the first portion fromthe second portion along the separation portion and allow the firstportion to form a seal around a cable.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe first portion comprises a compression portion.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the separation portion comprises a groove.
 8. Theconnector of claim 5, wherein the separation portion comprises a stressconcentration portion.
 9. The connector of claim 5, wherein theseparation portion comprises an internal annular groove.
 10. Theconnector of claim 9, wherein the internal annular groove comprises twoopposingly ramped inner surfaces.
 11. The connector of claim 5, whereinthe separation portion comprises a frangible connection.
 12. Theconnector of claim 11, wherein the frangible connection is defined bythe outer ramped portion of the connector body and an internal annulargroove.
 13. A method for providing a coaxial cable connector having acoupling element configured to engage a post comprising; arranging acrack-and-seal body member so as to engage a post, the body memberincluding a first portion having an inner ramped portion, a secondportion having an outer ramped portion, and a separation portion betweenthe first portion and the second portion, and moving the first portionbetween a first position, where the inner ramped portion is not engagedwith the outer ramped portion and the first portion is connected to thesecond portion, and a second position, where the inner ramped portion issufficiently engaged with the outer ramped portion so as to separate thefirst portion from the second portion along the separation portion andallow the first portion to form a seal around a cable.
 14. A method offastening a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable, the methodcomprising: providing a body means having a first portion separablyattached to a second portion, an outer ramped portion, a separationportion, and an inner ramped portion; providing a post means engageablewith the body means; providing a coupling means axially rotatable withrespect to the post; and axially compressing the first portion of thebody means so to separate the first portion from the second portion ofthe body means, securably attach the connector to the coaxial cable, andform a seal relative to the coaxial cable; wherein the inner rampedportion of the body means is configured to cooperate with the outerramped surface of the body means during the step of axial compressing.